Top 10 Best Vlogging Cameras under $100 – Review

Vlogging is a dynamic, semi-journalistic pursuit that can be as tranquil as filming a distant herd of rhinos strutting about majestically, and then, on the other hand, as tough as snowboarding down a steep and obstacle-riddled hillock while being chased by a wild snow leopard (tough chance you'll find one, though, they're endangered).

Thus, the sheer prospect of a camera that you need to employ in order to get your footage just right is a category that has as much variation to it as an Indian fruit market. From big and chunky contraptions that resemble full-blown TV station cameras to the minute models you can attach to pretty much everything that moves (including your-respectable-self), these mean filming machines are always at the forefront of your filming adventure.

Therefore, picking the right model for your needs is a rather important task. In this top ten review, I'll concentrate on the special kind of vlogging cameras- the exceptionally small onesthat also cost a hundred bucks.

Whether you're a sportsperson eager to film your adventures, or you want to jump start your vlogging journey with a smaller model, these cameras can easily outshine the big boys when it comes to their quality, and especially in the value-for-money department. Now, before I proceed to describe them to you in more detail, here's an overview of them all lumped together:

Yi Lite Action Camera: Best All-Around Camera

Coming from a relatively new company going under the name of Yi, this small action-packed action camera, so to speak, features a range of interesting properties to look forward to. Some even call it 'the best small action camera that's not a GoPro'.

Features

One of the biggest perks of this small but plucky device is that it comes with virtually no buttons, so there's no risk of you accidentally pressing something you didn't want to. All of the settings are available to dabble with via an LCD touch screen, which is large enough to enable comfortable handling. Also, there's a powerful dual-band Wi-Fi built into this model, for good measure.

Performance

When it comes to the filming itself, you have an array of options, starting with the quite impressive 4K capability, and a 60fps shooting mode in a 1080p resolution. On top of that, the shooting may be further propped up by nine different modes, such as burst and time-lapse.

To support this admirable arsenal in such a small body, the Yi Lite action camera has a powerful battery allowing you up to 130 minutes of continuous filming. The battery's also easily rechargeable via a standard USB port.

The Yi Lite model is well-known for its great connectivity, as it has both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built in. A great solution, if you plan to film your footage at a short to medium distance.

Video Testing

Pros

Petite build

Long battery life and easy recharging

Convenient LCD touch screen

cons

Poor zooming mechanics

Not waterproof (unless you have a special case for it)

Wewdigi EV4000 Action Camera: Best Value for Money

Assuming the second position on this list, the Wewdigi EV4000 action camera is a proper little box o' wonders. On its facade, you've got a simple camera lens and a single sizeable button for making it all come alive.

Features

With one of these tough camera cubes, so to speak, you can count on a wide variety of water sports and other wet expeditions among the list of activities you can shoot. Its watertight body can easily survive up to, or rather, down to 30 meters underwater without breaking.

As for its shooting tool itself, the Wewdigi EV4000 comes with a 140° degree field of view lens enabling you a wide capturing scope and some clear imagery.

Performance

The EV4000 model comes with 12 MP's of capturing power, allowing you to take photos and shoot video material in 720p or indeed in 1080p, the only difference being in the frame rate, as the 720p option enables you 60fps and the 1080p only 30fps.

If you're a water sports enthusiast, and fancy filming your water-borne shenanigans, taking one of these EV4000 models with you can be an excellent way to get properly wet and still capture some great footage.

Rocking a rather cheeky name and a simple, user-friendly construction, this model from MGCool is becoming the number one option for a growing number of vlogging enthusiasts. It's also brim-filled with useful features, so it's definitely worth checking out.

Features

Surely the very first thing you'll notice about this little device is its massive lens (massive for its size, of course). This marvel of optical technology goes under the tough-sounding name of 6G Sharkeye lens, and it allows for some pretty impressive camera acrobatics.

For example, you can shoot your footage at 170° degree wide angle, allowing you to capture a fair share of scenery together with your primary object of interest. Other than that, it also comes with an inbuilt Wi-Fi, which makes data transfer a piece of cake.

Performance

Footage-wise, the primary video format of the MGCool's Pro2 would be MP4, with pretty much each and every resolution you can think of underneath its belt. (up to 1080p, that is) For images, the format is JPEG, and there are a couple of tweaking tools you can use to further enhance your shots.

Its battery is built-in and allows you some 100 minutes of shooting or perhaps even more if you're only making captures. Once it's been emptied up, though, you can easily recharge it via a USB port, which is a process that takes about 2 hours.

This model has been one of the customer favorites for purposes of dashcam vlogging, so to speak, as its sufficiently small to fit above the steering wheel and has a wide lens enabling a clear and all-encompassing imagery.

Pros

Capable of shooting 4K videos

Works perfectly as a dashboard camera

Features Wi-Fi connectivity

cons

Some people might not like the design of this camera, considering its bulky lens

Nikon COOLPIX L32: Best for Capturing Portraits

Being one of the rare models on this list that doesn't look like an ordinary box, this Coolpix's model L32 represents a scaled-down version of your everyday user-friendly digital camera. Aside from an ergonomic body, this model also has an extendable objective, which makes its zoom more efficient.

Features

The first thing that sets this model apart from the rest of the bunch would be its old-fashioned battery system, which has you pop in a couple of AA batteries, and that's it- you're ready to go and shoot a lengthy adventure.

To make it easier for you to navigate amidst a high-pace action-filled adventure, this camera has got a sizeable and simplified LCD display, which you can use for whatever type of fine setting you need to make while shooting.

Performance

When we mentioned footage, we'd like to point out that it typically comes out in the 720p HD format, while the pictures follow roughly the similar pattern. Last but not least, the Coolpix L32 comes with a Smart Portrait System, which makes this device a perfect choice for people who'd like to make excellent close-ups of themselves and other folks.

Even though the Coolpix L32 has a solid base in features and looks, its biggest downside would surely be its batteries, because they're not built in. If you can't be bothered to take out the batteries every now and again, perhaps you should look up another model from this list for your purchase.

Pros

Easy and user-friendly handling

Smart Portrait System

Nikkor Zoom Lens

cons

Not waterproof

Does not come with Wi-Fi support

DBPOWER EX5000 Action Camera: Best Close-up Camera

Perhaps one of the most action-packed small cameras currently on the market, the DBPower model EX5000 is a plucky little contraption that's as battle-ready as a revved-up T34! It's been built to last, and make some impressive captures during its lifetime.

Features

First of all, let's mention that it comes with Wi-Fi support, ensuring that you'll be able to use it effortlessly even at a distance. On top of that, there's an official app you can download made by the manufacturers, that facilitates the connection between the camera and your computer.

Secondly, the EX5000 model is completely watertight from top to bottom, so you can carry it with you virtually everywhere- whether it's mountain biking or surfing.

Performance

Add to all the aforementioned niceties the fact that the lens of this little device can cover up to 170 degrees of viewable angle, and you've got yourself a camera that can scan the ocean bottom more efficiently than a battleship radar.

Unfortunately, even though the wide lens is quite a great feature, it does fare rather badly in filming things at a distance, so if you're planning to film some faraway people or animals, you might be better off getting yourself a different model from this list.

Pros

Powerful battery

Wide lens for great close-up image quality

Comes with built-in Wi-Fi

cons

Not a very good option for shooting things at a distance

Some customers have been reporting issues with the USB port

Campark ACT74 Action Cam: Best Underwater Camera

Featuring a rich array of options that you wouldn't really expect in such a small camera, the Campark ACT74 is certainly a model worth taking into consideration if you're about to buy a vlogging camera. If you get a waterproof case as well, you can take this plucky little bugger with you into a new diving adventure as well.

Features

The Campark ACT74 comes with a powerful Sony IMX179 sensor capable of registering even the smallest of details and capturing it in no less than 4K Ultra HD video. Other than this, the ACT74 comes equipped with 16 megapixels, so the image quality is clear and well detailed.

Another useful feature of this model is its Wi-Fi connectivity, meaning that you can operate the camera remotely by using a smartphone or some other type of mobile device.

Performance

Performance-wise, the ACT74 comes with a mighty lens which can cover filming at 170° degrees. This, in turn, means that the field of view will be much wider, so you can capture more of the scenery and other objects farther to the left and right of the center. Great for underwater shooting, not so great for filming sporting events, especially at a distance.

Paired up with its waterproof case, this ACT74 model can become a great underwater powerhouse, especially if you take into account its powerful and extra wide lens.

Pros

Rechargeable battery

Slow motion and loop recording

Great for underwater filming

cons

Charging the battery can take long

AKASO EK7000 4K: Best Outdoors Camera

Featuring a roughly similar design to the model from the position number 6, but a somewhat less powerful resolution at only 12 MP's, (which is still plenty for this type of miniature camera) the AKASO EK7000 4K is an excellent little camera with plenty of positive reviews online going for it.

Features

With battery life standing securely at 90 minutes, this great little vlogging camera will shoot and shoot even at some of the most demanding settings it's capable of. Also, recharging is a piece of cake and it, gracefully, doesn't take too long, so you can move right back into the action in no time.

Yet another commendable ability of the EK7000 would be its Wi-Fi connectivity perk. Whether you have a smartphone, a tablet or any other piece of easily-movable technology, you can pair it up with this camera, and perform settings on the footage at hand from a distance of up to 50 feet.

Performance

Thanks to its long battery life and extra wide lens of 170° degrees, this camera is by definition a perfect model for outdoorsy pursuits. What's more, if you've also got a waterproof case (which is often sold together with the camera), you can take it underwater and film to your heart's content, so long you don't go deeper than 30 meters.

Boasting a long battery life and an extra wide lens, this model can be an excellent choice for a sportsman or woman, as it captures both the action at hand and the scenery in the background equally well.

Unlike most of the vlogging-friendly cameras from this price range, this Sony DSCW800 is a different kind of compact model, as it rather resembles the standard-looking cameras, just scaled-down. The strengths of this Sony's take on petite cameras include a sturdy casing and some pretty interesting features, especially when it comes to zooming. (which GoPro-like cameras are notoriously bad at)

Features

Starting off, let's say that this particular model prides itself in one of the most powerful sensors in this price range- HAD CCD sensor with over 20 MP's. In this respect, this Sony's brainchild surpasses even the best models on this list coming from some lesser-known manufacturers.

Further on, it's safe to say that these 20 MP's have been put to a good use with this camera, as it has an extra wide lens, enabling it to capture vast patches of the landscape in great quality and detail. That being said, these kinds of small cameras tend to be somewhat underequipped in comparison to the ones resembling the well-known GoPro design, and are overall better suited for the touristic type of vlogging, rather than action-packed.

Performance

Once you deploy this camera in an effort to shoot some vivid scenery, you'll have an impressive 5x optical zoom working for you, so you can capture the interesting events or objects in the distance as well as up close.

If your idea of vlogging is predominantly visiting new exciting places and capturing special moments with your newly-acquired friends and possibly animals nearby, this Sony's model can be a perfect model for you.

Assuming the ninth position on this list is actually a second-hand model from Canon. The EOS 20D DSLR might be a great solution for experienced photographers or just people who know their cameras, as you can buy the lens or multiple lenses that you need separately, and have yourself a great filming configuration.

Features

Canon EOS 20D is well-known for its exceptionally sturdy build that can take some abuse and still work fine. Unlike the models you've seen so far on this list, this model sports a shape typical of a DSLR camera, with a sizeable top part and a bump on the right-hand side of its body.

Performance

Some of the features you'll enjoy with this model would surely include the range of modes it comes with, such as sports mode and manual mode. Also, the second-hand models that come with this offer are typically fully restored to their former glory and even come with a warranty for good measure.

I recommend this build only to people who are already experienced with cameras. It can save you some money, and you'll walk away with a brilliant piece of equipment on your hands.

Pros

Sports and manual mode

Full auto setting

Fully serviced

cons

Does not come with a lens

KINGEAR KG0011: Best Wide Angle Lens Camera

Possibly the bulkiest model on this list, the KINGEAR KG0011 represents the very best of both worlds, in the sense that it is both quite compact in comparison to the regular, full-sized models, and then again offers great characteristics and massive lens you may find in only the pro-level cameras.

Features

The imaging sensor inbuilt in this camera is of CMOS type with 8.0 megapixels. This produces smooth pictures high-quality videos, with no glitches or other imperfections.

Performance

As for its battery, this model features a powerful lithium unit enabling you to run your videos and other capturing content for up to 90 minutes at times! Also, you can count on a convenient LCD screen with easy and user-friendly navigation.

For people seeking a sturdy camera they can rely on, the KINGEAR KG0011 can be an excellent solution, because it has a tough metal construction and some pretty interesting 'intestines' as well.

Pros

Tough metal construction

Detachable wide angle lens

Inbuilt CMOS sensor

cons

Not quite suitable for fast-paced activities or underwater filming

Best Vlogging Camera under $100 - A Buyer's Guide

Getting the right kind of vlogging camera for your needs can be a tough task, and it only gets more difficult if you're not really sure what sort of vlogging you're going to be doing. For example, mountaineering is not the same as filming a busy airport, so picking the right 'weapon of choice' for the job is of utmost importance for your future success.

If you're a beginner, or just need a simple camera to attach to your bike, getting one (meaning a camera, not a bike) under 100$ can be a great way to kick off your filming adventure. These are some of the aspects you'll need to take into account in order to acquire a clearer picture of what your perfect model might be.

Connectivity

More often than not, wireless connectivity is often the sole reason why so many people opt to buy a smaller camera than a full-sized model with a bulky lens. (and also, because they're simply smaller) Typically, minute, GoPro-like cameras have built-in Wi-Fi, so they can be connected to a nearby router or some other device emitting the signal.

This way, you can operate your camera at a distance, which can be a great asset at times. For example, if you attach the device to your dog (not surgically, rather with the help of a specialized collar or something), you can see what your pet has been up to and witness its adventures from a unique perspective! (some people even secured these small cameras on top of eagles, and the results were breathtaking!) Also, there is Bluetooth, which is quite effective with short distances.

Action-based or scenery-oriented models

On the market for small vlogging cameras, one of the most important distinctions between the various numerous models would be their build and therefore- purpose. Almost as a rule, petite cubical cameras with only a few buttons are best suitable for filming in an action-packed environment, as they tend to have a rather elaborate list of accessories such as various waterproof cases and dashboard stands.

Scenery-oriented models, on the other hand, usually look exactly like a regular DSLR camera, just scaled down. They are perfect for vlogging at crowded events where the goal is to include a wide area into the footage and film as many people as possible. Also, they often have prolonged battery lives and excellent zooming properties.

Best Vlogging Camera under $100 - Conclusion

Everyone who has managed to catch the 'vlogging bug' knows just how difficult it may be to pick the right tool for the job in the first shot, especially if you have no previous experience with these matters. However, a little research can go a long way, so before you venture to actually buy a vlogging camera, make sure you're clear about what sort of vlogging you are planning to do, and what quality you expect from one of these plucky devices. I hope this article helped you find the right reasonably-priced camera for your needs. Best of luck with your vlogging pursuits and cheers!

Of course, you will get good quality of video heaving top-tier devices, but before you need to learn a lot of things. So you can start at $300 for a set and train yourself to shoot. After a couple month, you can improve your set totally or by parts.